Government Call Time On Racing At WPK

THE NSW Government has for the first time publicly declared greyhound racing will cease at Wentworth Park following the expiration of the current lease in 2027.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes this week unveiled the government's final strategy pertaining to the Pyrmont Peninsula which encaptures the future of Wentworth Park. 

"We've listened to community and business feedback and have adapted the plan so that Pyrmont remains a prosperous and unique part of Sydney," Mr Stokes said.

"Striking a balance in planning is never easy and the unique geography and history of Pyrmont's settlement pattern provided a particular challenge.

“Our fundamental task was to encourage economic development while enlivening the peninsula, boosting jobs and providing for more quality public open spaces for everyone to enjoy."

In respect to Wentworth Park, the final strategy details plans to return Wentworth Park greyhound track land and the temporary pop up school to publicly accessible open space as part of a larger and enhanced parkland once the current leases expire.

Secondly, a working group of government agencies and stakeholders is to be established to assist in identifying a suitable alternate site for greyhound racing.

The announcement is the first formal declaration by NSW Government that racing won't continue at the spiritual home of NSW greyhound racing past 2027.

In more recent times, discussions have been taking place between Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) and NSW Government as to what an early departure from Wentworth Park might look like.

At the top of those discussions has been the prospect of compensation being made available to the industry in the event of an earlier termination from the current lease agreement.

On Friday, Minister for Better and Innovation Kevin Anderson, whose portfolio includes racing, told the Greyhound Recorder.

"A potential move from Wentworth Park is something we have consulted the industry extensively on and is something they have been pushing for," Minister Anderson said.

"Instead of investing more and more funding in patching up Wentworth Park, the industry will have a Rolls Royce facility closer to where many participants are based that will incorporate a world-class track, rehoming and veterinary facilities and spectator amenities.

"The newly established working group will be wasting no time in getting the ball rolling on a new facility and will meet for the first time early next year to get this process underway."

GRNSW Chief Executive Officer Tony Mestrov said his organisation will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the best possible result for participants in New South Wales.

“We are in active negotiations with the NSW Government, GBOTA (Greyhound Breeders Owners and Trainers Association), the industry and participants about city racing post Wentworth Park,” Mestrov said.

“We look forward to working with the Government in establishing a fantastic new facility for city greyhound racing.”